Off the Boulevard is a documentary feature film directed by Jeff Santo (Santo Films) and executive produced by Boondock Saints creator Troy Duffy.
The film follows the intertwined stories of seven artists, two musicians (Nick Nicholson, Keith Jackson), two filmmakers (Troy Duffy, Jeff Santo), two actors (David Della Rocco, Sanel Budimlic), and one comedian (Bob Rubin). They talk candidly about their hardships and their dreams to “make it” in the business. We get a glimpse into their day-to-day struggles, sometimes a struggle merely to survive today.
The film follows the intertwined stories of seven artists, two musicians (Nick Nicholson, Keith Jackson), two filmmakers (Troy Duffy, Jeff Santo), two actors (David Della Rocco, Sanel Budimlic), and one comedian (Bob Rubin). They talk candidly about their hardships and their dreams to “make it” in the business. We get a glimpse into their day-to-day struggles, sometimes a struggle merely to survive today.
“There’s only a few of us that can live this life.” - David Della Rocco
Off the Boulevard effectually strips away the shiny Hollywood veneer and shows that it’s not all glitz and glamour; there is a much darker and heartbreaking side to the entertainment industry. Despite determination and perseverance many of the featured artists struggle for years, facing numerous set backs and failures.
Some of the artists (most notably writer-director Troy Duffy) achieve a certain measure of success only to tumble back down on hard times after falling prey to the many hazards of being a part of the business.
Also examined is the question of “What does it mean to be Independent?”. Each artist shares their definition of what it means to Independent to them. Although each artist says it differently, the true meaning of Independent transcends verbal descriptors and unites these individuals as “lifers”.
“...look for the cracks in the wall find some part of the world that can receive a little portion of what you have to give and build on it” - Jeff Santo
Off the Boulevard effectually strips away the shiny Hollywood veneer and shows that it’s not all glitz and glamour; there is a much darker and heartbreaking side to the entertainment industry. Despite determination and perseverance many of the featured artists struggle for years, facing numerous set backs and failures.
Some of the artists (most notably writer-director Troy Duffy) achieve a certain measure of success only to tumble back down on hard times after falling prey to the many hazards of being a part of the business.
Also examined is the question of “What does it mean to be Independent?”. Each artist shares their definition of what it means to Independent to them. Although each artist says it differently, the true meaning of Independent transcends verbal descriptors and unites these individuals as “lifers”.
“...look for the cracks in the wall find some part of the world that can receive a little portion of what you have to give and build on it” - Jeff Santo
The only minor thing I would like to have seen would have been two interview segments not end abruptly and shifting to another segment before the individual was done sharing their reply.
Off the Boulevard achieves it’s goal of illustrating the hardships of the seven Independent artists with honesty and tenacity. The filmmakers masterly keep viewers engaged by maintaining a good pace to the documentary and by featuring several well known stars (Peter Fonda, Joe Mantegna, Gilby Clarke, Sonny Barger, Dan Haggerty, and Eddie Vedder) adding their experiences to the piece.
I recommend Off the Boulevard not only to fans of the featured artists, but as a must watch for everyone considering entering the entertainment industry as an Independent artist.
Off The Boulevard Online DVD Pre-sales through September 7th at www.santofilms.com and www.boondocksaints.com
Off The Boulevard
Director: Jeff Santo
Writer: Jeff Santo & Christie Collins
Executive Produced by: Troy Duffy & Angela Duffy
Stars: Troy Duffy, NIck Nicholson, Sanel Budimlic, David Della Rocco, Keith Jackson, Bob Rubin, & Jeff Santo
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